How Long Will a Water Heater Typically Last?

Written on: April 24, 2023

What to Expect and When to Replace Your Existing Water Heater

Like your refrigerator, your water heater is an essential piece of home equipment. After all, you use it pretty much every day, year-round, and life would be pretty unpleasant without access to hot water for too long. If it’s performing well, you probably don’t think about it much, but if you’ve owned it for a while, you might start thinking about how long your water heater will last.

The typical tank-type water heater should last about 10 years before performance starts to deteriorate. Not sure how old your tank is? Here’s how to check its age:

• Look for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. The first letter in the serial number corresponds to its month of production; the first two numbers is the year of production. For example, if the serial number on your water heater is H102738598, the “H” is the eighth letter in the alphabet and corresponds to August, the eighth month. The “10” stands for the year. So, the water heater was manufactured in August of 2010.

Hard Facts About Water Heaters

Of course, age isn’t the only factor in how long your water heater will last. Hard water can take a toll on water heaters, and unfortunately, Florida water tends to be hard.

Hard water contains higher amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. It causes lime buildup in your water heater, reducing its efficiency and shortening its lifespan. Hard water can leave ugly spots on your flatware and glasses, dull your laundry, and cause dry, itchy skin. Water softeners can help with hard water but be aware that they can also shorten the lifespan of your water heater in return.

Spotting the Warning Signs

There are a few signs that your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan. You’ll notice higher energy bills, as well as water not getting as hot. Here are other common signs to look for:

• Rust: Is the heated water that comes from your tank rusty? That’s a big danger sign because it means that your water heater is corroding. Corrosion can lead to a tank failure, and all the hassle and expense that goes with it, soon. Contact us immediately if you notice this.
• Leaks: If you notice water around the base of your water tank, the likely culprit is a leak in the tank. Turn off the tank’s water supply and contact us right away for an inspection of your water heater.
• Strange Noises: Rumbling noises in your water heater tank are a common sign of sediment buildup in your tank. That sediment can reduce your water heater’s efficiency. Left unattended, will lead to corrosion that can reduce the lifespan of your water heater. Contact us right away for a service call.

Ready for a New Water Heater? Pico Propane Has You Covered.

If any of those warning signs sound familiar—and you want to start thinking about replacing your water heater—you should consider updating to a high-efficiency tankless water heater. While a repair can make sense for newer equipment, replacing an old water heater makes more financial sense. That’s because today’s high-efficiency tankless water heaters will save you money in the long run.

Tankless water heaters offer several advantages. Firstly, tankless water heaters save energy by instantly heating water when you need it, rather than keeping a large tank hot all the time. As a result, you can enjoy virtually unlimited hot water—while seeing savings of up to 40%! They also last nearly twice as long on average compared to a tank-style water heater.

The experts at Pico Propane can help in any water heating situation. We sell, install, and service high-efficiency tankless water heaters from leading manufacturers Rinnai and Noritz. We’ll help you enjoy energy efficiency and comfort with a new water heater in no time. Contact us today to get started.